Mohsin Soomro
KARACHI: Muttahida Qoumi Movement should hope to make its ‘member-strength’ steady as another senior leader Raza Haroon has decided to part ways from the party.
Raza Haroon joined Mustafa Kamal and other dissident leaders in today’s press conference at Kamal House.
Talking to newsmen, Raza Haroon said: “When I was watching Kamal’s press conference, I was thinking that he’s right. Everything he is saying is right. I know everyone is tired of this including me.”
“I decided to join Kamal and other leaders and encourage them. That’s why I am here now,” said Haroon.
Refering to MQM supremo Altaf hussain, Haroon said MQM members are not born to worship one person or please him every time.
“Mohajirs are labelled as ‘RAW agents. Does everybody look like RAW agent? It’s because of only one person,” he said.
Refering to the party (MQM), Haroon said the condition of our party, which used to be a matter of pride to its supporters, is now the biggest reason of embarrassment.
“The MQM which was a party of literate people, is now, a source of embarrassment,” he said.
Addressing MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Haroon said “You invite United Nations and Nato forces to Pakistan, even you call ‘RAW’ to come to Pakistan, but tell us when you will come to Pakistan?”
Haroon claimed that MQM leaders do not visit the court and appeal against ban on Altaf’s speech as everybody in MQM is happy for not listening him.
“Ban on MQM supremo Altaf Hussain’s image and speeches is a “blessing in disguise”, he said, adding, “The ban should stay in place.”
Talking about his presence in MQM, Haroon said: “I did not enter the MQM on a whim, and I did not leave on a whim.”
Haroon returned Karachi today after a prolonged absence from mainstream political activity.
Mustafa Kamal and other dissident leaders of MQM welcomed Raza Haroon. When asked about party’s name, Kamal said the name will be announced on March 23.
Raza joined MQM in 1987 and moved to London in 1994 after Karachi operation began. In 2007, he returned to Pakistan and was elected a member of Sindh Assembly on ticket of Muttahida Qoumi Movement in 2008 general elections. He served as provincial minister of Sindh for information and technology in 2009.
